citizens' initiative
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citizens' initiative
An association of citizens who, on their own initiative, work toward a shared political, social, or ecological goal, often at the local level and independently of political parties.
Eine Bürgerinitiative sammelt Unterschriften gegen den Bau der neuen Umgehungsstraße.
A citizens' initiative is collecting signatures against the construction of the new bypass road.
This word is made up of 'Bürger' (citizen) and 'Initiative' (initiative). So it literally describes an initiative that comes from citizens.
Die Anwohner gründeten eine Bürgerinitiative für mehr Lärmschutz an der Autobahn.
The residents founded a citizens' initiative for better noise protection along the highway.
A 'Bürgerinitiative' is often used with certain verbs. You can 'gründen' (found), 'starten' (start), or 'ins Leben rufen' (launch) a citizens' initiative.
Wir wollen eine Bürgerinitiative gründen, um den alten Park zu retten.
We want to found a citizens' initiative to save the old park.
To describe the goal of a citizens' initiative, you usually use the prepositions 'für' (for) or 'gegen' (against), followed by an accusative object.
Die Bürgerinitiative kämpft für den Erhalt des historischen Gebäudes.
The citizens' initiative is fighting for the preservation of the historic building.
party / party to
'die Partei' and 'die Bürgerinitiative' can both be politically active and pursue shared goals. However, a 'Partei' is an official political organization that takes part in elections and wants to gain political power. A 'Bürgerinitiative' usually develops from a group of citizens who want to achieve a specific goal, often in their city or municipality. It is normally independent of political parties. Learners may confuse the words because both work for political or social issues. When it is about elections and a political program, 'Partei' fits. When citizens join together for a specific local concern, 'Bürgerinitiative' is more precise.
Wegen des geplanten Straßenbaus sammelt die Bürgerinitiative Unterschriften.
Because of the planned road construction, the citizens' initiative is collecting signatures.
Am Samstag stellt die Partei ihr neues Programm auf dem Marktplatz vor.
On Saturday, the party is presenting its new program in the market square.